I have been able to announce this for a while, but I just now am getting around to it. I am a fellow of the National Science Teacher Association New Science Teacher Academy. I am one of about 200 new science teachers that have the opportunity to learn and grow professionally in a fellowship of new teachers and mentors. It has been a great experience. I describe it as taking a grad class, because it has been a lot of work but so worth the time. I am so grateful for Carrie Alexander suggesting applying for the fellowship. I believe I have grown as an educator and have stayed encouraged in a difficult year. For any new science teachers out there (2-5 years) I highly recommend applying next year here . The part that I am most excited about the fellowship is that Dow Chemical has sponsored me to attend this year's national conference. When I say sponsored, I mean everything. I feel so spoiled, so I am planning on getting the most out of the trip as I can. I am going with some goals in mind, as I find doing this keep me focused and driven. Here are my goals in no particular and not complete order.
Goal #1 - Bring something home to my students
Now before any of my students get excited, that I mean this to be a physical thing (since so many read this blog), that is not what I intended. I mean I want to bring an idea, activity, or knowledge that I can immediately bring to my classroom. I think this is my top priority when I am planning my workshops and places of learning. I am not sure what this "thing" will entail, but I am excited to learn as much as I can.
Goal #2 - Create at least one video while I am there
Since this is suppose to be a tech based blog, so you knew this was going to be apart of this post. I have been creating videos for my students all year, albeit mostly recording my lectures, but I want to do an awesome one. I have imagined an interview with Bill Nye, Mayim Bialik, Neil deGrasse Tyson, or some other awesomeness of science (Brian Greene please) and discuss the importance of science, technology and school. I would really love a personal message that would encourage my un-encourageable to inspire them to be a scientist. Or maybe just a explanation/demo of viruses and bacteria at an exhibitor booth. Just something that was on location and active. I have even imagined doing a GHO with my students while I am there. I know shoot for the stars and you will land on the moon, but I really hope I hit the stars.
Goal #3 - Recharge, Reflect, Re-energize
Like I said earlier, this has been a really hard year. I need some good encouragement that what I do everyday matters. That how I am teaching, how I (if I) am inspiring, or how I am learning is the correct way. I know that I will leave exhausted, but I think it will be good exhaustion. I need to find some time for reflection and some time for recharging. I plan on keeping this blog update while I am there, just for the reflective piece. I love conferences, but man they are tiring (mentally, physically, and emotionally)
I am sure that before I leave I will come up with some other crazed, dreamy, excitement induced goal. This is what I live for, to learn. As Sid the Science Kid says "Remember, keep asking lots of questions" and that is my ultimate goal. To ask, find and learn while I am there.
If you have been to the NSTA conference and have any pointers, please post a comment. I would love to hear any and all. Wish me good luck, and safe travels.
Goal #1 - Bring something home to my students
Now before any of my students get excited, that I mean this to be a physical thing (since so many read this blog), that is not what I intended. I mean I want to bring an idea, activity, or knowledge that I can immediately bring to my classroom. I think this is my top priority when I am planning my workshops and places of learning. I am not sure what this "thing" will entail, but I am excited to learn as much as I can.
Goal #2 - Create at least one video while I am there
Since this is suppose to be a tech based blog, so you knew this was going to be apart of this post. I have been creating videos for my students all year, albeit mostly recording my lectures, but I want to do an awesome one. I have imagined an interview with Bill Nye, Mayim Bialik, Neil deGrasse Tyson, or some other awesomeness of science (Brian Greene please) and discuss the importance of science, technology and school. I would really love a personal message that would encourage my un-encourageable to inspire them to be a scientist. Or maybe just a explanation/demo of viruses and bacteria at an exhibitor booth. Just something that was on location and active. I have even imagined doing a GHO with my students while I am there. I know shoot for the stars and you will land on the moon, but I really hope I hit the stars.
Goal #3 - Recharge, Reflect, Re-energize
Like I said earlier, this has been a really hard year. I need some good encouragement that what I do everyday matters. That how I am teaching, how I (if I) am inspiring, or how I am learning is the correct way. I know that I will leave exhausted, but I think it will be good exhaustion. I need to find some time for reflection and some time for recharging. I plan on keeping this blog update while I am there, just for the reflective piece. I love conferences, but man they are tiring (mentally, physically, and emotionally)
I am sure that before I leave I will come up with some other crazed, dreamy, excitement induced goal. This is what I live for, to learn. As Sid the Science Kid says "Remember, keep asking lots of questions" and that is my ultimate goal. To ask, find and learn while I am there.
If you have been to the NSTA conference and have any pointers, please post a comment. I would love to hear any and all. Wish me good luck, and safe travels.